There are so many accusations and condescending comments on social media. The accuser of the brethren has made it to social media . . . We, as the children of The Most High must remember who "the accuser of the brethren" actually is! We can agree, we can disagree, and we can agree to disagree, but accusations are scary! I've been unfriended, even blocked, and I'm not sure we truly understand the ramifications of doing that . . . I do have a real life outside of facebook and yahoo, but I also have a spiritual responsibility on the world wide web, if I'm going to be there.
I've never blocked anyone, but I have unfriended two individuals in my history of social media. Blocking someone scares me on a spiritual level. It's like declaring I'm unwilling to forgive. Of my "unfriending," one was a man who just kept typing in CAPS that his god of the Koran was the creator. I am quite clear on social media that I serve the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob which is why he was "yelling!" The second individual I unfriended was a woman who had claimed to know Messiah, claimed to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and then denied and denounced! Since I have a public page, I didn't want to "aid and abet" her mission to draw others away from Messiah . . . so, although I didn't block her, I did unfriend her and "name names!"
With the exception of family, I think I've only been unfriended once over anything other than my beliefs, and that unfriending was pathetic at best, yet absolutely enlightening. It still makes me sad, but not for myself! The thought that anyone in this day and age could carry a generational grudge against a person by mere association is mind boggling. It was sort of a "Hatfield's and McCoy's" scenario and who would have imagined someone young enough to be my child would have that mind set. As I considered the scenario, there was the added variables that he found himself "unable" to stand up to two other men, so chose to take his frustration out on a woman . . . Hmmmm, in the words of Dana Carvey, "Now, isn't that special!" Moving right along . . .
When we point out what we believe is the truth, or when we have been offended, or feel we have a bone to pick, do we leave room for understanding, or do we open a door for the enemy? Most of the times I've been unfriended, it's been by former church ladies when I failed to meet their expectations. I've got years of real time experience in that area, so I'm basically unfazed by it, but I certainly don't want to become indifferent or calloused. I was joking about this with my daughter yesterday. She's unfriended me too, but she's not a church lady. Anyway, I said so many people send a big long diatribe or tell me some page I should read, then when I attempt to respond, asking for the url they didn't include, I discover my message won't go through because I've been unfriended and/or blocked.
My question regarding the spiritual ramifications of social media are many, but two stand out specifically. First, if someone sends word of offense, but removes the path for the alleged offender to respond, explain, or apologize; how is that righteous? Second, if a person blocks, that leaves them no room to forgive . . . As humans, our word is not final. In the case of children of the Most High, we'll be forgiven as we forgive. Without a doubt we can all get in the flesh, and many aspects of the world wide web can bring out the Jr. High flesh mentality in all of us, but in this interactive social media; how many opportunities are we giving the enemy?
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our Elohim, and the power of His Messiah: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our Elohim day and night. Revelation 12:10
Showing posts with label media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label media. Show all posts
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Monday, December 1, 2014
Knowing Our Call, Knowing Our Place
The world wide web has created a platform in which all can now have a voice, and for a few dollars; a domain. Literally, anyone and everyone who has access to a computer can have their own blog, their own video channel, and of course their own wall on social media. These basic internet amenities are available at no charge beyond what the internet server charges. Of course, there are more sophisticated opportunities that do have an expense, but the cost is really minimal when compared to a brick and mortar presence with utilities, and hours of operation. The number of internet businesses is continuing to rise, with the most recent statistics listing over 100,000 bona fide businesses on the net. Statistics for religious domains and spiritual teachings were not so easy to come by.
In the advent of social media, dating even back to the clubs, groups, and forums days of the early years of this millenium, a presence of authority emerged in tandem with an absence of accountability. Clearly, human authority can be dangerous when it comes to spiritual matters, but what seems to have truly transpired are a number of folks who have left the authority of real time congregations to assert their own authority on the net. The authority seems to be aligned with specific topics and of course there are titles! Titles abound, and I am drawn toward those who do not place an emphasis on titles, especially their own. I've actually seen individuals who claim three of the five offices. Y'hshuwah said His sheep hear His voice. That means anyone following Messiah should be able to hear Him, with or without a title.
Many of the prophets of charismatic television and wannabe megachurch pastors have moved to the internet. There are about as many internet teachers and converted rabbis as there are students. More than once I've read posts of former "church ladies" and "heard" Dana Carvey from an old SNL skit. The watchmen also abound, and clearly they are not all watching the same thing, while many nonbelievers can also see the world is a mess! When I hear people speak of their anointings, their calls, their office, and their interpretation, I wince. The call YHWH has placed on any one of our lives is a responsibility, not a title of renown. For those of us with a specific call to service, we better know what that is, because we will be held accountable. The title of the call, however; was never and is still not intended to be a "claim to fame."
My heart breaks for so many who feel they have to "officially preach" when they have not been called to do so. My heart is also heavy for those who are called to speak of YHWH in Y'hshuwah but lack confidence, or make an excuse. I knew I had a call and the more specific Abba became in the details, the more intimidated I became in the awareness I could not do it in my own power, or my own knowledge. Although the ministry to which I'm called is busy and seems to cover quite a varied area, there is little formality with the exception of publishing.
There are much better writers, gardeners, knitters, seamstresses, canners, butchers, hunters, herbalists, and the list goes on, but I have a promise in every one of my areas of weakness. As long as I am where Abba has called me to be, doing what He has called me to do, He has promised His strength in my weaknesses. I smile as I think of all the weak areas of my life, I can count on His perfect strength. I don't have to preach from a pulpit to proclaim the good news, and I don't have to cite a title to shout the warning. The title of my call is my responsibility for which I will give an account. I simple have to be where Abba has told me to be, and when I've done all, to stand.
And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. . .
In the advent of social media, dating even back to the clubs, groups, and forums days of the early years of this millenium, a presence of authority emerged in tandem with an absence of accountability. Clearly, human authority can be dangerous when it comes to spiritual matters, but what seems to have truly transpired are a number of folks who have left the authority of real time congregations to assert their own authority on the net. The authority seems to be aligned with specific topics and of course there are titles! Titles abound, and I am drawn toward those who do not place an emphasis on titles, especially their own. I've actually seen individuals who claim three of the five offices. Y'hshuwah said His sheep hear His voice. That means anyone following Messiah should be able to hear Him, with or without a title.
Many of the prophets of charismatic television and wannabe megachurch pastors have moved to the internet. There are about as many internet teachers and converted rabbis as there are students. More than once I've read posts of former "church ladies" and "heard" Dana Carvey from an old SNL skit. The watchmen also abound, and clearly they are not all watching the same thing, while many nonbelievers can also see the world is a mess! When I hear people speak of their anointings, their calls, their office, and their interpretation, I wince. The call YHWH has placed on any one of our lives is a responsibility, not a title of renown. For those of us with a specific call to service, we better know what that is, because we will be held accountable. The title of the call, however; was never and is still not intended to be a "claim to fame."
My heart breaks for so many who feel they have to "officially preach" when they have not been called to do so. My heart is also heavy for those who are called to speak of YHWH in Y'hshuwah but lack confidence, or make an excuse. I knew I had a call and the more specific Abba became in the details, the more intimidated I became in the awareness I could not do it in my own power, or my own knowledge. Although the ministry to which I'm called is busy and seems to cover quite a varied area, there is little formality with the exception of publishing.
There are much better writers, gardeners, knitters, seamstresses, canners, butchers, hunters, herbalists, and the list goes on, but I have a promise in every one of my areas of weakness. As long as I am where Abba has called me to be, doing what He has called me to do, He has promised His strength in my weaknesses. I smile as I think of all the weak areas of my life, I can count on His perfect strength. I don't have to preach from a pulpit to proclaim the good news, and I don't have to cite a title to shout the warning. The title of my call is my responsibility for which I will give an account. I simple have to be where Abba has told me to be, and when I've done all, to stand.
And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. . .
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Except the Very Elect Be Deceived . . .
Most of us feel we have the discernment to avoid deception, but do we really? Messiah did say, "except the very elect be deceived . . ." That has always served to remind me to not be too sure of myself or anyone else. I asked for discernment when I received the indwelling of the Great Spirit of YHWH, and confessed my need. I told Him straight out, I needed discernment, I'd fall for all sorts of "songs and dances." I accepted the lies of others over my own intuition, until, Ruach HaKodesh came into my spirit. Even with His indwelling Spirit, I still seem to be a target for a sad manipulative story, but; with discernment I don't fall for it. I am also aware of the fact, I must remain surrendered and dependent to the Voice of Abba, or I could indeed, fall for something . . . I don't think I'm alone in the following statement. "I could genuinely believe something and be genuinely wrong."
We all receive requests for help on social media, I'm sure. I pray about those. Some, I'm willing to respond and others, there's a check in my spirit. Let me say again, my insight comes from Abba. Many people call me wise, that is a gift of the Spirit. When I discern, that is a gift of the Spirit. I'm idealistic, creative, and frugal, naturally; but I don't have a lick of common sense! In this article, I'm going to use myself as an example, because I know what I'm really living and that's the point of this. We can think we know someone, but even before social media, there have always been reports in the news in which the neighbors were shocked to discover . . . So-and-so was capable of whatever.
As this subject came to mind, I was reminded of the ad years ago, and it has be at least 15 years ago, because I saw it on television. It was an ad for the internet. A couple had become emotionally "involved" via the internet, and decided to meet; when they both individually realized their profile pic was nothing like their reality . . . There are days I'm bombarded with requests for donations, but the profile information is sketchy or the photos appear to be generic downloads. I've seen marriage advice posted by people who I know are living in a bigger mess than I am. I actually read comments by a "teacher" who espoused being a mighty spiritual warrior of no compromise. proceed to tell their followers all the things the compromises they made to "participate" in a mainstream prayer group to blend in . . . We simply do not know anyone's entire story, so even in fellowship or attempts thereof; we must keep our eyes on Messiah.
I promised earlier to use myself as an example, so I will. I am homesteading. I was doing it before I knew it had a trendy label. I haven't simplified and roughed it as much as some others, but I'm certainly heading off the grid and out of the dependency upon the systems. I'll admit it, there are times when I see a good price on chicken breasts at one particular market, I'll buy it and enjoy the fact I don't have to take the feathers off of dinner. I'm still operating in experimental mode and last winter when I ran out of potatoes before I planted, I realized two things. I needed a better plan and if I wanted potatoes, I'd have to go to the store and buy them. I don't have this all figured out yet. When I established the domain www.holyhomesteading.com, I introduced it with the qualification that I would share the steps of my successes and confess my failures to serve as a horrible warning, which I think I've done. Point being, however; we know our information is filtered and often misrepresented.
The reality is, the digital age affords the potential for real deception and difficulty in retracing the original report. For example. I could be sitting in a penthouse apartment, eating bonbons while surfing the net for images of goats and full canning jars. I could be promoting all kinds of natural health while taking pharmaceuticals and smoking a cigarette. I have written about my undivorced status, but I could be undivorced and just cohabitating with a guy that likes me better. Our society has done some interesting redefinition to the point; "fake it til you make it". . . is no longer hypocrisy, but supposedly, effort that should be appreciated. The excuse is often made "that G-d is still working on me" or it's not being dishonest, "I'm just speaking it into existence." There are old sayings about "walkin' the walk or talkin' the talk," but in reality we are called to "walk our talk!" Social media and digital history allows a great deal of latitude and internet teachings abound.
I don't think I could quote Scripture while intentionally trying to be deceptive, but we do know the enemy can and has!
We all receive requests for help on social media, I'm sure. I pray about those. Some, I'm willing to respond and others, there's a check in my spirit. Let me say again, my insight comes from Abba. Many people call me wise, that is a gift of the Spirit. When I discern, that is a gift of the Spirit. I'm idealistic, creative, and frugal, naturally; but I don't have a lick of common sense! In this article, I'm going to use myself as an example, because I know what I'm really living and that's the point of this. We can think we know someone, but even before social media, there have always been reports in the news in which the neighbors were shocked to discover . . . So-and-so was capable of whatever.
As this subject came to mind, I was reminded of the ad years ago, and it has be at least 15 years ago, because I saw it on television. It was an ad for the internet. A couple had become emotionally "involved" via the internet, and decided to meet; when they both individually realized their profile pic was nothing like their reality . . . There are days I'm bombarded with requests for donations, but the profile information is sketchy or the photos appear to be generic downloads. I've seen marriage advice posted by people who I know are living in a bigger mess than I am. I actually read comments by a "teacher" who espoused being a mighty spiritual warrior of no compromise. proceed to tell their followers all the things the compromises they made to "participate" in a mainstream prayer group to blend in . . . We simply do not know anyone's entire story, so even in fellowship or attempts thereof; we must keep our eyes on Messiah.
I promised earlier to use myself as an example, so I will. I am homesteading. I was doing it before I knew it had a trendy label. I haven't simplified and roughed it as much as some others, but I'm certainly heading off the grid and out of the dependency upon the systems. I'll admit it, there are times when I see a good price on chicken breasts at one particular market, I'll buy it and enjoy the fact I don't have to take the feathers off of dinner. I'm still operating in experimental mode and last winter when I ran out of potatoes before I planted, I realized two things. I needed a better plan and if I wanted potatoes, I'd have to go to the store and buy them. I don't have this all figured out yet. When I established the domain www.holyhomesteading.com, I introduced it with the qualification that I would share the steps of my successes and confess my failures to serve as a horrible warning, which I think I've done. Point being, however; we know our information is filtered and often misrepresented.
The reality is, the digital age affords the potential for real deception and difficulty in retracing the original report. For example. I could be sitting in a penthouse apartment, eating bonbons while surfing the net for images of goats and full canning jars. I could be promoting all kinds of natural health while taking pharmaceuticals and smoking a cigarette. I have written about my undivorced status, but I could be undivorced and just cohabitating with a guy that likes me better. Our society has done some interesting redefinition to the point; "fake it til you make it". . . is no longer hypocrisy, but supposedly, effort that should be appreciated. The excuse is often made "that G-d is still working on me" or it's not being dishonest, "I'm just speaking it into existence." There are old sayings about "walkin' the walk or talkin' the talk," but in reality we are called to "walk our talk!" Social media and digital history allows a great deal of latitude and internet teachings abound.
I don't think I could quote Scripture while intentionally trying to be deceptive, but we do know the enemy can and has!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)